Page 122 of Reign of Betrayal

But as we start to walk in, I freeze. I can’t go inside. The thought of experiencing this place without my father is too much to bear. Leaning his head to the side, eyes slightly squinting, he assesses me, like he always does—like he is privy to my thoughts.

“We can stay out here if you want,” he says softly, and I nod, grateful for his understanding. “Show me where you and your father would sit and listen to the music.”

Leading him to the side of the building, where the sound of music swells, we stand in silence as the rain seems to soften, creating an intimate cocoon around us.

The music reverberates through the walls, an intense symphony of raw emotions and unattainable power. It begins as a haunting piano melody, its notes steeped in longing and loneliness. As the song unfolds, violins join in, weaving sorrow and passion with a hint of possessiveness. The strings seem to cry out, their vibrations resonating with the tearful clouds. The crescendo builds, and with it, the percussion erupts, creating a storm of sound that echoes in my heart.

Closing my eyes, I lose myself in the melody. The somber notes speak to my aching soul. Suddenly, I feel warm hands on my face. Opening my eyes, I see Lukene, his expression tender as he wipes away my tears—tears I hadn’t even realized I was shedding. Music has always had the power to move me.

“You are the ideal storm of raining elegance and windy chaos, with a hint of hailing fierceness. And yet, I just want to get destroyed dancing in your rain and drown in your essence,” Lukene admits.

“Dance with me,” he requests, stepping back and extending his hand toward me.

My heart skips a beat as I take his hand. He pulls me close, our bodies fitting perfectly together as we begin to move. His gaze locks onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race. The rain starts to fall harder, embracing us as we sway to the rhythm.

As the tempo of the music increases, so does our movement. We are perfectly in sync with each other. Each movement is purposeful yet graceful. The moment is magical. The rain, the music, memories of my father, Lukene… my heart feels full. He twirls me around, my rain-soaked hair spinning with me. As the song gets to its final notes, he spins me out, a huge smile on his handsome face. Then he spins me back into him as he dips me. He kisses me deeply. Pulling me up slowly, his lips don’t leave mine.

The kiss is a promise—a promise for a future, for love, for more laughter, for more moments. His tongue is warm as it explores every corner of my mouth. “Luke…” I breathe against his lips as I pull away, my eyes still closed, relishing the closeness.

“Yes, Reckless?” His voice is laced with a playful smile.

My heart hammers in my chest, warmth flooding me despite the cold rain. “Take me home,” I whisper.

Home.

I have a home—a place where I belong. It’s not just a physical location but wherever Lukene is.

* * *

As we enter the room,Lukene immediately strides to the fireplace, setting to work on a fire. We’re soaked and chilled to the bone from the biting wind and relentless rain. Pulling off my cloak, I hang it on a hook near the mantle, savoring the heat radiating from the roaring flames.

Lukene approaches his armoire and pulls out two sets of night clothes. Handing me a pair, he says, “Here, you can change in front of the fire and try to warm up. I’ll change in the washroom.” He plants a soft kiss on my forehead before slipping away.

He hands me a long-sleeved nightshirt and pants, but I decide to choose something different. I walk over to the armoire and sift through the stack of clothes Sasha brought. My fingers graze the delicate fabric until I find the thinnest, laciest nightgown—one that leaves little to the imagination.

As I remove my wet clothes, discarding them in the corner, I slide the black nightgown over my skin. The cool, silky material glides across my body, settling just above my knees. I sit in front of the fire, anticipation and nervousness mingling within me.

Hearing the washroom door click open, my heart races, matching the pace of my lust-filled thoughts. Lukene steps out in just his night pants, which hang low on his hips, showcasing his muscular chest, chiseled abs, and the tantalizing ‘V’ tapering beneath. Inhaling sharply, I take him in, captivated by the way the golden glow of the fire accentuates his tanned skin, making him look every bit the dark prince he is. His chest moves sensually with each measured breath, his smoldering gaze fixed on me as he walks closer, a seductive smile playing on his lips. He has his head leaning to the side as he uses a drying cloth to dry his hair.

“Like what you see, Reckless?”

I stand on shaky legs as he approaches. “Meh, I’ve seen better,” I fib, trying to play it cool, repeating the words he once muttered to me.

“Lies.” He chuckles, the sound low and inviting. “Turn around. Let me dry your hair.”

Doing as I’m told, I turn my back to him. He brings the drying cloth up, gently tending to my hair. Once finished, he tosses the cloth aside and lowers his mouth to my shoulder, kissing it softly. A shiver runs down my spine, and I lean my head back slightly, eyes fluttering shut.

“This isn’t what I gave you to put on,” he says breathily, in an approving tone, as he lifts the thin little strap of my nightgown and slides it down, planting another kiss to my skin, causing me to ignite with desire and desperation for him.

I smile. “I decided to wear something more… comfortable,” I reply with a teasing smile.

He begins to trail kisses from my shoulder to my neck, murmuring against my skin, “Well, I guess I’ll buy you these in every color, so you are always… comfortable.” I feel his smile against my neck.

He bites down gently, not hard enough to hurt but enough to send a thrill down my spine and heat flooding my core. Turning around, I wrap my arms around his neck and crash my lips against his. I need this. I need him. Like darkness needs light, Ineedhim. Our tongues dance together as he slowly walks me backward until my back hits the wall. The kiss deepens, his tongue swirling against mine, tasting me, savoring me like I’m his favorite flavor—something he can’t get enough of.

He breaks the kiss, pulling back slightly. “Tell me what you want, Reign.” His voice is breathy, heavy with desire. “Just tell me exactly what you want, and I’ll make it happen. Anything you desire.”

His massive hand cups my breast, and he kisses my neck, urging me to give in. I turn slightly, offering him better access. “You will do anything?” I ask, my heart pounds in my chest.

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